The ACT AMA is withholding criticism of new walk-in centres proposed by the territory government after receiving assurances they will not compete with GP services.  

It has long campaigned against the territory’s chain of government-funded nurse-led clinics — which treat minor illnesses, injuries and infections — labelling them a waste of taxpayer money.  

But president Dr Antonio Di Dio says the government is promising the five new clinics will be “radically different” from the others – and as yet it was not clear if they would be run by nurses.

“Importantly, we have been promised they will be offering integrated care, not providing primary care services,” he says.